David Kenneth Merrill Sr, 90, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, at Marshwood Center in Lewiston, Maine.

David was born October 18, 1935, in Bridgeport, Conn. After serving in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957, he started what would become an art career that would span over 50 years and crafted well over 3,000 paintings. David's numerous accomplishments include the Medi or Merit awarded by Ken Art Association in 1969. He was also awarded seven "Best in Shows," eight first place prizes, five Audience Choice awards and a Lifetime Achievement awarded at Southbury's 350th anniversary gala in 2023.

David is listed in "Who's Who in American Art" - 1973. He was featured in "Yankee Magazine" in 1975, "Men and Women of Distinction" in 1979 and "David K Merrill's Lifetime of Painting" in 2023, which was produced by the Newtown Lion's Club.

David was also an art instructor at Southbury Training School from 1963 through 1967.

An avid golfer, he considered his hole-in-one on the 18th hole at Hawks Landing his greatest achievement.

David is survived by his brother, James Merrill and his wife Judy, of Auburn, Maine; his children, David Merrill Jr and his wife, Sandra, of Woodbury, Cynthia McPhee and her husband, Dan, of Torrington, Dean Merrill of Leeds, Maine, Wendy Merrill of Las Vegas, Nev, and Gary Merrill of Lewiston, Maine; and five granddaughters, three great-granddaughters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

David is predeceased by his parents, George Kenneth and Marion Merrill; and his sister, Martha, Martha, and her husband, Orlen Beardsley.

David was preceded in death by his later wives, Natalie Kline Merrill, Jane Beach Merrill, and Beryl Semple Merrill.

A celebration of life for David Merrill is scheduled for 12 pm Saturday, August 22, at United Church of Christ, 283 Main Street North, Southbury, Conn, with a reception following the service.